Recently, I had the great good fortune to be reunited with my college advisor while working on a contract publishing assignment. We’d stayed in touch for many years after I earned my journalism degree but, eventually, the ebb and flow of life led those contacts to become fewer and farther between. It’s been wonderful to catch up on the latest news about his family and his career, but probably the best part was the chance to remind him in the course of conversation just how much help he’d provided to so many students during his teaching career. This got me thinking about all the people who provided advice and counsel when I was starting out. I think I’m going to use Valentine’s week to thank as many of them as I can.

The champions: Falcons Landing hosts an open premiere of the inspiring documentary, “Age of Champions,” on Friday, Feb. 10, at 2 p.m. in the community’s auditorium. The film tells the story of a group of athletes—a 100-year-old tennis champion, 86-year-old pole vaulter, swimming brothers and a team of basketball grandmothers—all going for the gold at the National Senior Games. Following the screening, Falcons Landing fitness coordinator Joevon Stennett and rehab care program manager Stacy Shull will host a brief discussion. The Cascades premiere is part of the film’s national grassroots campaign, launched in partnership with the AARP, National Council on Aging and National Senior Games. The event is free and open to the public. For more information on the film, go to ageofchampions.org. For information on the premiere, call 703-404-5120.

Noir at night: The Taking Flight Theatre Company opens its 2012 season on Friday, Feb. 10, with “Earth and Sky,” a crime fiction piece that travels back and forth along a murderous timeline to track a killer. The eastern Loudouners involved in the production include producer Natalie Safley and cast members Steve Oliverez, Ruth Neiveill and Jude Rodriguez—all Sterling residents. The cast also features Jim Johnson, of Ashburn; Michael Richardson, of Great Falls; David Segal, of Herndon; Kathleen Burnard, of Fairfax Station and Alexandria residents Lauren Palmer Kiesling and Mario Font. The show runs on weekends from Friday, Feb. 10, through Saturday, Feb. 25, at the Waddell Theatre on the Loudoun campus of Northern Virginia Community College. Friday and Saturday performances begin at 8 p.m. The Sunday shows start at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15, or $10 for students and seniors. For information, go to tftheatre.org.

Young love: The Cascades Library’s After Hours Teen Center hosts a Valentine Party on Friday, Feb. 10, from 7-10 p.m. The event, exclusively for middle and high school students, features free pizza, gaming, crafts, computer activities, music and more. This may be the perfect time to brainstorm costume designs for the Teen Center’s Mardi Gras Masquerade on Friday, Feb. 17. Parents, keep in mind that all teens attending the After Hours Teen Center must have a permission slip on file signed by a parent or guardian. For information, call 703-444-3228.

It’s the season: Happy Valentine’s Day to everyone in eastern Loudoun. Thank you very much for sending your news my way.